Monday, October 22, 2012

Metal & Science Fiction, Ninja News, Wish The Awakening, Movie Review, and the Next Great Blogfest!

Today I am visiting Jamie atMithril Wisdom!Jamie has been a special blogger buddy since the first A to Z Challenge. His theme for this past Challenge was fantasy metal. Well, my guest post today is about science fiction metal! If you like science fiction or rock music, visitMithril Wisdomfor the best of both worlds. There may be movie-music trivia involved...

Ninja News

Thanks for all the kind words you guys left on Friday’s POST! Nancy was very happy to see so much support for her new book, The Mistaken, and I was grateful for the comments regarding the two-year anniversary of CassaStar’s release. You guys rock!

Tara Tyler just signed a book deal with Curiosity Quills – congratulations, Tara!

Most residents of Pine Hill shy away from seventeen-year-old Lelah without knowing why. It's the Djinn magic surging through her blood. She lives in a world where wishes are really curses, dark power meant to twist and deceive in unimaginable ways.
When a fit of temper exposes Lelah for what she really is, she must flee to a sanctuary only whispered about, before her family is exposed and enslaved by their ancient enemy. What she discovers is a treacherous path filled with power, lies, and betrayal – a path that's destined to ensnare her and destroy a civilization.

About the Author: Laura Enolives in Florida with a very tolerant husband, three skulking cats and two absurdly happy dogs. After spending years immersed in college but never figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up, she now writes novels late at night with the help of muses from the underworld. And, no, she still hasn't grown up but that's okay.

Laura, we hope you don’t ever grow up!

Movie Review

The Hunger Games
Finally watched this one on NetFlix. The storyline borrows from Battle Royale (sans extreme violence and action) and The Running Man (sans extreme violence and action and the cheesy fun factor.) I’ve not read the books, but I can understand the appeal of a strong female heroine. Don’t hate me, but sorry, I was a little bored watching this film. Maybe I missed something…

Do you have a couple blogger buddies who aren’t posting as often? Those who’ve pulled back and seem absent from the blogging world? Do you have blogger buddies you are grateful they are still around and would miss if they vanished? Now is your chance to show your appreciation and spotlight them!

On November 16, list one to three bloggers you really miss and one to three bloggers you would miss if they stopped blogging. Then go leave a comment on those blogs.

Our blogger friends are special – time to let them know!

Sign up below:

Did you pick up Nancy’s book? Excited for Tara? Picking up Laura’s book? And are you ready for a blogfest where we can show our blogging buddies how much we appreciate them?Don’t forget to visit Mithril Wisdom!
And I may not be posting Wednesday... Just so you know.

now i am agreeing with you on the hunger games, i don't get it... maybe after some time. i originally felt this way about harry potter films, but at the time i was in a lord of the rings coma at the time.

now this should make you worry, but i still don't get all the zombieland hype either... i mean it was funny and all just... i have seen it and now i am done with it.

films that i am never finished with, star trek '09 and the avengers [film and individuals... minus the hulk].

As is always the case, the book was better than the movie. The characterization felt forced in the movie, but the case for a strong emotional connection between Katniss and the boy back home is never made in either of the first two books. Maybe it's the "YA" bent that I, as an adult, found unfulfilling.

What a fantastic idea for a blogfest! There are definitely a few I've missed these last few months. Unfortunately, my blogging presence has been so lame, it may just be because I haven't been around to visit as much:(

The Hunger Games movie isn't as good as the book. I can't say since I had read the book but I've always suspected if I hadn't read the book I would be confused and a little lost as to what was happening.

I loved the Hunger Games books and avoided the movie for a long time - I really don't like a lot of movie versions. I thought this one was okay - but there's just so much more in the book - a short movie like that just can't do it justice!

Nice post on Mitril Wisdom. Nice sounding soundtract. Wish I could get into fantasy, but the few books I've read just didn't grab me. I'll try again at some point, as I'm looking to maybe try something new.

Oh, I love that WISH cover!! So cool. Hunger Games. i started reading the book and couldn't get into it so I stopped. I've not seen the movie yet either **ducks at thrown wads of paper** Yeah, I'm a freak! LOL

I enjoyed Hunger Games but like you, I couldn't help but notice the similarities to Running Man and Battle Royale, which distracted me a little. Not the greatest movie, but I was moderately entertained.

I tried to comment on the other blog, but I couldn't due to my browser it said. Anyway, cool songs you talked about, some I hadn't heard of. The Avengers isn't exactly sci fi but I loved their soundtrack - it was hard rock!

My husband thought the Hunger Games was slow too. (he didn't read the books). I loved it though! (i read the trilogy)

I am incredibly happy and inspired by Nancy and Tara, two of my best blog buds in the whole blog-verse! I know they are going to find great success.

I had the same issue w/ Hunger Games. I didn't read the book either but the point of the movie is to make sure the general audience understands the film w/o having to read them. It was boring. I also would have swapped the two male actors. Hemsworth was much more interesting than the blonde guy who played her partner. But, that's just me.

Thanks for all the news and the new blogfest! Always keeping us busy!Heather

I think I may be one of the only people who read The Hunger Games and was disturbed by it... So much violence. And I had questions about the premise that gnawed at me the whole time I was reading it. So, I wasn't all hyped about seeing the movie. And now I know I don't have to bother.

I can't comment over at Mithril's cos his comments box keeps asking me to go use google chrome or firefox and when I do it says my email is already registered etc etc and so I am now completely wrecked and in need of some air guitar practice...! :-)

Awesome blogfest! I've got a fairly long list of bloggers who have disappeared or become nearly silent . . .it saddens me.I'm definitely excited for Tara!And as for Hunger Games . . .the book is almost a necessity for the movie . . .except after you read it, you realize they didn't go far enough on the special effects in the Captitol.

Ha! I bought Laura's book last week because it looks fabulous! And I think Hunger Games probably was better for people who had read--there was some stuff the movie didn't include, but if you'd read, you'd have known. You SHOULD read. they are GREAT books.

Great idea for a blogfest! I'm grateful for many faithful blogger friends out there, you included. I still can't figure out how you manage to keep up though. I have to admit I liked the movie Hunger Games- but I love strong female protagonists. Now after reading all the comments I want to read the book too.

Love the idea of the blogfest. Questioning if I should enter because that is the middle of NaNo and I just don't know that I can make it around to other peoples blogs, which fills me with all sorts of guilt.

Happy Monday! The movie rarely captures the book, right? Oh well. I devoured The Hunger Games in one sitting. It was an incredible read. I can lend you my ebook if you want? The publisher has the lending enabled so let me know if your interested. I'd love to know what you think. :)

That was an excellent post over at Jamie's. perfect material for you. Laura's cover is breathtaking! Love it! Thanks for all the love on Friday. I love that we could celebrate our milestones together. It meant so much to me! And your followers were awesome in their support. Lastly, wow, 3 of my very guys throwing a party together. Am I ever in heaven! Signed up already & I can't wait.

I think one of the big failures of the film was it didn't effectively capture the pace of the book, which was fast and slightly frenetic at points, whereas the movie rarely even came close to that pace, even during the action scenes.

Wow, your two-year anniversary for CassaStar's release! Congrats, Alex! Also, congrats to Nancy, Tara, and Laura on their good news. The Hunger Games movie couldn't cover everything the book did. People who hadn't read the book first didn't get as much out of it as those who knew the whole scoop!

And I shall paws a moment and then visit your special blogger buddy who also seems to enjoy bringing further awareness of the alphabet! Excellent!

This blogfest you mention is a most worthy ideal and I wish you well with that. I have been doing this for many years and visit bloggers who aren't posting much to see how they are doing, directly via a comment or an encouraging email.

I'm thrilled for all the pawsitive pawspectives so articulately noted by you in your most informative posting.

Alex, if I had to admit it, Hunger Games was missing something, not sure what, but something. I liked it but left wanting...I also think the concept of kids having to kill kids took a little digesting. I haven't read the book but I have the next two books on my Kindle.

Hunger Games...I had no interest in reading the books--don't throw tomatoes and junk, it just didn't interest me. I haven't felt a great need to see the movie either. Hubs watched on DVD. You want me to wait for you? Um, no, thanks for asking. Not in the mood to watch it. Why not he asks? Dunno, just doesn't seem interesting to me. I'll pass.

Sounds like a cool blogfest, but I will be on blog break Nov and Dec. I really must see if I can complete a project, or even work on edits and revisions on a couple completed one. My blog buddies are so entertaining and helpful and always have something going on, so it never seems the right time to just drop out for a while.

I never say so to my daughter, but I found The Hunger Games pretty boring too. You're killing me, Smalls, but I signed up for the newest blogfest.Laura's book looks and sounds great. See ya at Jamie's.

Ok, Ninja Captain. I'm going to do something I've never done before. I DISAGREE WITH YOU. Why the flip haven't you read the Hunger Games series yet???? It's THE first new premise to come along since Cassans who can teleport without the teleporter! Seriously, read the books. THEN watch the movie again. You're really missing out. The movie was OK, but it was about a D+ compared to an A+ of a book. My opinion. Feel free to disagree in return. After all, we're friends...Tina @ Life is Goodhttp://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/

That's a cool idea for a blogfest. I've wanted to read Battle Royale for awhile now. I found out about right after reading the Hunger Games trilogy. The thought the movie was a good adaptation. Time to check out guest post!

Hi Alex, This is the perfect time to use that quote that's been going around-don't judge the book by its movie- The Hunger Games is amazing story. I didn't particularly care for the movie either. Thanks! Great post : ) ~ Jesshttp://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com

I did not read any of the Hunger Game Books, but I did see the movie and quite enjoyed it, although I thought the violence was a bit over the top. Laura Eno's cover on Wish is lovely, I wish her the best for the release.

I have to say I enjoyed the Hunger Games movie in a totally different way than I enjoyed the books. The books are more about pace, action and emotion. The movie was great, but it had a higher level, semi-uncomfortable "I can't believe a society would do this" vibe, rather than action.

I can understand if you didn't fully engage in The Hunger Games; I think it might be richer movie experience if you've read the book. I definitely see the appeal for the younger demographic since they might not be as familiar with other movies that have done this dystopian world thing (a great gateway for it, though!).

Yes! Pumping two fists in the air! I hated the Hunger Games, both book and movie. Finally someone else who doesn't get whats to great about kids killing each other while people with drag outfits watch and clap!!

Oh wow that is quite a blogfest Alex. After blogging for three and a half years I do have bloggers that I emotionally miss. And Alex, congratulations on CassaStar's two year anniversary. And Alex, not sure if I've told you, this is oceangirl. I think I did.

I loved the Hunger Games movie, but I also loved the books when they came out. And it's funny, but I've noticed that the people I know who have seen the movie AND liked it tend to be women. I wonder if the teen angst and romantic subplot puts male viewers off?

I can't judge for the boredom in the Hunger Games. Yep, the film (which I did love) boasts a plot rather similar to The Running Man, because they stripped one crucial element out of the book-- the, uhh, hunger. It was actually a crucial component of the whole back story that most of the districts were starving, and it very much added to the story.

I'll have to skip the November blogfest. I'm going to do NaNoWriMo again this year, and I'll have to cram it into 22 days because I'll have four days out of town and four days of company at Thanksgiving. That's all the challenge I can handle.

Way to go Tara!Loved Nancy's story!And I guess I'll go against your grain on this one and let oyu know I loved Hunger Games. Book was better, of course, but the movie was cool, too. I guess if you got kids, movies like that are what you watch!

About Me

I'm a sci-fi writer on a journey of discovery - books, movies, music, etc.
Founder of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, I'm the author of Amazon Best Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, & Dragon of the Stars